Simply Well Q1

SimplyWell

Wellness tips and encouragement from Hally® health.

What’s Inside Hally Health: Coaches and Coordinators Tips to Prevent High Blood Pressure Seasonal Affective Disorder And much more.

Say hi to the new Simply Well.

We have a new look. Late last year, we rolled out Hally® health, a suite of wellness resources, programs and perks to keep you and your family healthy. Many of these resources are new, and others – like Simply Well – have been refreshed with an increased focus on your well-being.

Visit hally.com today for fitness videos, disease management resources, blog articles, recipes and much more!

Pharmacy Corner

Take your meds – and take them correctly.

Medicines only work if you take them. The American Heart Association estimates that about 75% of Americans don’t take their medication as directed. Some refuse to take their meds, others forget and a large number don’t take them correctly. And, many simply can’t afford their drugs’ high costs. Whatever the reason, too many Americans are putting themselves in unnecessary danger.

Our doctors prescribe medication for a reason – it helps keep you healthy, perhaps even alive. Here are some important tips, as well as information and advice, you should know.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR Your doctor or pharmacist can answer your questions.

If you’re worried about side effects, they’ll know what’s common vs. rare. If you’re not convinced a drug actually works, they can find data about its effectiveness. If you’re having trouble taking the medication (common with people using injections or inhalers) or if you find the directions on the label confusing, your doctor can help. You can also ask them about lower cost alternatives, such as generic drugs, if you’re having trouble affording your meds.

TALK TO YOUR PHARMACY Another way to save money might be ordering your drugs in bulk. Often 90-day supplies are cheaper than 30-day refills. Ask your pharmacy about these costs.

If forgetfulness is the issue, many pharmacies now have mobile apps that remind you to refill your meds, and some even give you daily reminders when it’s time to take the drugs. Ask your pharmacy what apps and other programs they offer for customers.

OTHER APPS If your pharmacy doesn’t have a mobile app, don’t worry.

Many other apps – some of them free – can provide medication reminders, refill notices and other features.

Dosecast, Mango Health, MyMeds and Medisafe are just four of the many available.

TALK TO US Finally, reach out to us. Call the number on the back of your member ID card to ask us about medication mailorder programs, drug cost and coverage information, and much more. Taking your meds is important, and we’re all here to help.

Hally health coaches and coordinators are your partners in health.

Staying healthy isn’t easy, no matter your age. It’s often complicated and confusing juggling different doctor visits, medications and preventive screenings – all while trying to stay fit and take care of your body. Luckily, you don’t have to do it alone. As a member, you have access to our health coaches and care coordinators. They can help you manage your care, reach your health goals and much more – all at no extra cost to you.

HEALTH COACHING Our health coaches are your wellness partners. They’ll help you with nutrition, weight management, fitness and more. Your coach will work with you to create goals for a healthier lifestyle, and they’ll keep you motivated to reach them. They’ll also remind you about the preventive screenings and vaccines you need, and they’ll make sure you get the most out of your health plan’s benefits, programs and perks. Put simply, your coach will be a planner, manager and cheerleader for your health, all rolled into one.

CARE COORDINATION If you’re dealing with a more serious illness or have multiple conditions, our care coordinators can help.

Like health coaches, they’ll work with you to achieve specific goals. They’ll also help you understand and help manage illnesses, therapy and recovery, and they’ll make sure you get the right care at the right time. They work closely with your doctors and nurses to plan what’s best for your specific health needs. Our coordinators find answers to medication questions and discover ways to use your health plan to save money. Like our coaches, they’ll check in with you regularly and be a go-to person whenever you need questions answered. They’ll be at your side with knowledge, resources and encouragement as you manage your conditions.

GET STARTED TODAY If you’re interested in having a health coach or care coordinator, call us at (800) 851-3379, ext. 28947, to get started or learn more. Health coaching and care coordination aren’t a replacement for your doctors, nurses or other healthcare providers, but our coaches and coordinators provide expertise, resources and support during your health journey. You don’t have to do it alone!

Tips to Prevent High Blood Pressure More than 100 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is particularly worrisome because high blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. But there’s good news too: By taking certain steps, you can help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.

GET MOVING Physical activity can help lower your blood pressure. Get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five times a week. Ask your doctor what types of activities are best for you, and pick something you enjoy.

LIMIT ALCOHOL, AVOID TOBACCO

Your diet can help keep your blood pressure in check.

Eat plenty of fresh veggies and fruits, and make sure to get a variety of foods rich in fiber, protein and potassium.

Limit the amounts of salt and saturated fat you eat.

Drinking too much alcohol raises your blood pressure.

According to the CDC, men shouldn’t drink more than two alcoholic drinks per day, and women shouldn’t have more than one. Avoid all use of tobacco. Smoking increases your risk of hypertension, heart attack and stroke.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

GET YOUR ZZZs

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of hypertension. If you need help reaching – or staying at – a healthy weight, ask your doctor for tips and resources.

Sleep is important. Missing sleep on a regular basis increases your risk of hypertension.

EAT HEALTHY MEALS AND SNACKS

Take action now to control your blood pressure. Your long-term health will thank you.

Diabetes 101 Get your yearly eye exam Along with heart disease, stroke, and nerve and kidney damage, diabetes can cause problems with your eyes.

People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy. The American Diabetes Association® recommends a yearly diabetic retinal eye exam to discover and treat issues early.

Some risk factors for diabetic retinopathy – like genetics and how long you’ve had diabetes – are out of your control. But you can take action to control your blood sugar and blood pressure levels to help reduce your chances of developing retinopathy. And having your yearly diabetic retinal eye exam can help detect any problems so treatment can start early.

Many eye problems can occur before you notice any symptoms, so these annual exams are key. If you experience symptoms, like blurred vision, seeing double, or eye pain or pressure, make sure to mention them during your eye exam. In most cases, if your eye doctor finds your eyes to be healthy, you can wait two years (rather than one) for your next exam. If you get your eye exam from someone other than your primary care provider (PCP), please ask them to send a copy of your records to your PCP.

Take this simple step to protect your vision.

You got this!

SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder SYMPTOMS • Prolonged depression.

• Loss of interest in activities you enjoy.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Increased sleep.

• Weight gain.

• Appetite changes, such as an increased craving for carbohydrates.

MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES You can manage your symptoms in other ways too. Here are some tips from UpToDate®: Many of us struggle with depression, extreme sadness and other mental health issues. For some, these occur – or are particularly strong – at certain times of the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the name for depression, mania or hypomania that affects people when the seasons change.

• Follow good sleep habits. If you can’t fall asleep, don’t force yourself – get up and try again later. In the morning, get up once you feel rested enough, rather than lingering in bed. Don’t drink alcohol in the late afternoon or evening, and avoid smoking, especially at nighttime.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most people experience SAD in the fall and winter months, although some are affected in the spring and summer.

Read on to learn the symptoms of SAD and how it’s treated and managed. Millions of Americans struggle with SAD – if you’re one of them, you’re not alone.

• Stay physically active. Exercise by yourself or with a friend. Take a walk outside if the weather allows. Your body and mind will both feel better.

TREATMENTS If you’re dealing with SAD, different treatments are available. These include antidepressant medications, light therapy and talk therapy. Ask your doctor what’s best for you.

• Add light to your life. Combat long, dark winter days by turning on lamps and overhead lighting, especially in the morning and evening. Get a dawn-simulating lamp that brightens gradually in the morning before the sun rises.

Ask your doctor for more tips.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives Colorectal cancer is scary, but it’s often curable if caught early. Regular screening, which begins at age 50 and lasts until you’re 75, is key to catching it. If you’re younger than 50 but have a family history or health condition that puts you at higher risk, you should ask your doctor if screening is right for you.

It’s never been easier to get screened. In fact, there are multiple options to choose from, including noninvasive, at-home tests that you can receive and return by mail at your convenience. Here’s a look at your options: COLONOSCOPY • Tube with a tiny camera is inserted into your rectum to look for abnormalities.

• Fasting

(beforehand) and sedation are usually needed.

• Recommended

every 10 years.

• If

you have conditions that put you at a higher risk for colorectal cancer, this may be the most appropriate test for you.

SIGMOIDOSCOPY • Similar to a colonoscopy but only looks at the lower part of your colon.

• Quicker

and less complicated and sedation is usually not needed.

• Recommended

every five years.

FECAL OCCULT BLOOD TESTING (FOBT) • At-home test kits that use a stool sample to look for blood in your feces, a common sign of cancer.

• These

tests are less invasive and easier to do, but you have to do them more often.

FECAL IMMUNOCHEMICAL TESTING (FIT) • Another type of at-home test that looks for blood in your feces.

• These

tests are easy and don’t require a special diet, but they must be done yearly.

Talk to your doctor about what screening option is best for you. And if you get a FIT or Cologuard® (FIT-DNA) test that comes back positive and you need a follow-up colonoscopy, we’ll cover this colonoscopy at zero cost to you, as long as you get it within 160 days of your FIT or Cologuard test.

Set up your screening today.

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